Nba Gives Students An All-star Reason For Not Missing Any School

Clapping and cheering, the 1,000 students in the Howard Middle School auditorium Tuesday shouted ''whoosh'' each time an NBA star slammed the basketball through the hoop on the video screens.

But Bob Lanier, Jeff Turner and Otis Smith delivered a message that went beyond slam dunks and swish shots.

''Staying in school will be the best choice you'll ever make for your future,'' said Lanier, who played in the NBA for 14 seasons.

Using a pep-rally approach, the professional basketball players unveiled a drive to improve attendance at 31 Orange and Seminole county middle schools.

Students with perfect attendance in the first semester of the year will have a chance to attend the ''NBA All-Star Stay in School JAM'' on Feb. 8, during the weekend of the NBA All-Star game in Orlando.

The February event will feature basketball stars and music, film and television celebrities. It will be televised nationally.

Some schools may set other requirements in addition to perfect attendance, such as high marks in conduct or no disciplinary referrals.

During the next weeks, Lanier and Orlando Magic players such as Turner and Smith will visit other middle schools in the area. The program kicks off in Seminole County today.

''A lot of young people today look up to sports figures,'' said Orange County Superintendent James Schott. ''To have them give their time and urge young people to stay in school is exactly what is needed.''

Since retiring from the NBA, Lanier has spent his time working on issues relating to children and education, including chairing the NBA program.

''My mother was a teacher, she encouraged us to find out about the world through books,'' Lanier said.

Lanier said he could have left St. Bonaventure University for professional basketball before he graduated, but he knew better because of his mom's influence.

''I would have had all kinds of hickeys upside my head if I had made that decision.''